Antipsychotic Medication Haloperidol

Haloperidol goes by the trade name Haldol which is a popular atypical antipsychotic medication. It is popularly used for the treatment of schizophrenia, mania in bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, vomiting and nausea, acute psychosis, agitation, and hallucination occurring in alcohol withdrawal. It can be administered in different ways to the individual. The action of the drug takes about 30 minutes to kick in. A long-acting formulation is used in case of people who have schizophrenia to let the effects of the drug to remain for about four weeks. This formulation can also be given to those who do not agree on taking the drug orally.

At times, this drug can bring about a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia which is permanent in nature. Older people have an increased risk of dying due to the use of this drug. Paul Janssen was the first to discover this drug in the year 1958. It is also mentioned in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines.

Uses of Haloperidol

Haloperidol is used for the treatment of mood and mental disorders like schizoaffective disorders and schizophrenia. This medication helps the individual think clearly without feeling nervous than he/she used to feel before. This allows the individual to take part in his/her daily life chores. It has also been found useful for preventing suicides among people who can harm themselves. It also has a significant effect on reducing the desire to hurt others. It can reduce hallucinations and negative thoughts as well.

In case of Tourette’s syndrome, it can be helpful in treating the uncontrolled movements or tics. Severe behavioural problems in hyperactive children can be treated using this drug if other medications prove to be ineffective.

Haloperidol majorly aims to restore the imbalance in the natural chemicals in the central nervous system.

Side effects of Haloperidol

Many patients have reported the incidence of side effects along with the use of this drug. Some of the side effects are mentioned below:

Twisting body movements

Shuffling walk

Mask-like face

Unable to move the difficult in swallowing or speaking

Losing balance control

Shaking or trembling of the hands and fingers

Weakness of the legs and arms

Skin rash

Confusion

Decreased thirst

Lip puckering or smacking

Lightheadedness, fainting, or dizziness

Uncontrolled chewing movements

Fast or difficult breathing

Seizures or convulsions

Fever or sore throat

Yellow skin or eyes

Muscle stiffness

Contraindications of Haloperidol

Some conditions may restrict the use of this medication to patients. Some of the common conditions are listed below:

Breast cancer

Liver problems

Seizures

Coma

Parkinson symptoms

Angina

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Decreased Lung Function

Pregnancy and Haloperidol

The FDA assigned this medication to the pregnancy category C in both Australia and the United States. This indicates that this drug is not safe for pregnant women and their unborn child.

Mode of Ingestion

The drug can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly to the patient.